Senior Space Thermal Design Lead (Remote)

ALTEN Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private MedicalInsurance

Cycle& Tech Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance & Pension Scheme

Job summary

ALTEN is seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Design Engineer to lead thermal design, analysis, and validation for spacecraft thermal control systems. You will develop models, define control strategies, and support testing to ensure mission-critical performance, working with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. Location: London.

On-site required, with some remote/office flexibility. Collaboration with mechanical, systems, electrical, and propulsion engineers is essential to

Qualifications

• Proven experience in space sector with spacecraft or satellite programmes.
• 10+ years in thermal design and analysis for space applications.
• Proficiency in thermal analysis tools (ESATAN‑TMS, Thermal Desktop or similar) and 3D CAD.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, space environments, and thermal control principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end thermal design and simulation for spacecraft components and subsystems.
• Build and validate detailed thermal models using specialist software.
• Define and implement thermal control strategies (active and passive: heat pipes, radiators, insulation, heaters).
• Support testing from component evaluation to full spacecraft system trials.
• Plan environmental qualification tests, including thermal vacuum campaigns and review results.
• Participate in design reviews and project milestones.
• Ensure thermal systems meet internal standards, performance targets, and customer expectations.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, electrical, and propulsion teams for integration.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers.
• Produce and maintain high-quality documentation and drawings.

Skills

Space sector

10+ years

Thermal analysis tools

3D CAD

Heat transfer concepts

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Military experience (equivalent)

Tools

ESATAN-TMS

Thermal Desktop

3D CAD software

Job description

ALTEN is seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Design Engineer to lead thermal design, analysis, and validation for spacecraft thermal control systems. You will develop models, define control strategies, and support testing to ensure mission-critical performance, working with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. Location: London.

On-site required, with some remote/office flexibility. Collaboration with mechanical, systems, electrical, and propulsion engineers is essential to